Body, mind, breath: How health qigong can help you thrive during and after cancer treatment

Cancer
Group therapy qigong.

If you or someone you love has cancer, you know the toll it can take on the body and mind. Whether caused by cancer treatment or cancer itself, people with cancer are often battling physical symptoms (like pain, fatigue, nausea and gastrointestinal issues) as well as emotional effects (like anxiety, depression and general distress).

You can ease some of these side effects by taking care of yourself physically and mentally. One way to do this is through a meditative exercise called health qigong.

Pronounced "chi gong," health qigong originated thousands of years ago in China. It’s a traditional Chinese practice designed to energize your body, mind and spirit using movement. Its goal is simple: to improve your overall health now and in the future.

"In the present day, qigong is widely used to treat all kinds of health conditions and to improve your general well-being. For those with cancer, it offers benefits to combat the physical and mental toll the disease can have on your body," says Tara Sweeney, lead oncology nurse navigator for Main Line Health.

Here’s how this gentle but effective exercise can help your body self-heal, bring awareness to your body’s needs and improve your quality of life during and after cancer treatment.

The goals of health qigong: Breath, movement and awareness

Purposeful breathing, gentle movements, guided visualizations — the practice of qigong has many components that you may already be familiar with. It’s similar to tai chi, which, when practiced for health benefits, is a type of qigong.

It’s also similar to yoga, both of which focus on breathing techniques and slow movements. Qigong, however, is typically slower and gentler, and it can even be practiced with one single repeated movement.

Qigong combines two terms: "qi" and "ong." Qi refers to the life energy that flows through the human body, while gong refers to regular work. Together, this term embodies a practice that involves working on your internal life energy.

Considered an integrative therapy, qigong is used alongside standard medical care. Together with standard medical care, integrative therapies can help reduce the side effects of cancer and cancer treatment.

Qigong is designed to help you regulate your mind and body through:

  • Breath, using slow, deep breathing patterns that alternate from abdominal breathing to breathing with speech sounds
  • Movements, which are usually gentle and relaxing
  • Awareness, which includes visualization and bringing your attention to your body and mind

Qigong can be dynamic, meaning you’ll be moving the majority of your body. Or, it can be meditative, meaning you’ll remain in one posture focusing on breathing and mind exercises.

How does health qigong help with cancer and cancer treatment?

"The side effects of cancer and its treatment can be significant. While trying address the physical issues that occur, the emotional and psychological part of us is also deeply strained," says Monalisa Molinaro, nursing supervisor and medical qigong therapist at Main Line Health. "And while medication can help with some, there is so much more that requires our attention that reaches beyond symptom management."

Qigong promotes self-healing, which means your body works on healing itself. It does this by optimizing your body’s systems, from your organs to your muscles and even your tendons. It also brings awareness to your body, helping you to recognize what parts need your attention.

If you’re navigating symptoms of cancer or cancer treatment, qigong can improve your overall quality of life.

The benefits of qigong for people with cancer may include:

  • Reduced fatigue
  • Improved sleep
  • Positive effects on stress, anxiety and depression symptoms
  • Reduced gastrointestinal issues, like nausea and loss of appetite

Taking care of yourself is crucial both during and after cancer treatment. With qigong, you can support your mind and body to help reduce symptoms and feel better overall.

Learn how to practice health qigong

At Main Line Health, our January "Thriving During and After Cancer Treatment" series focuses on qigong to improve the quality of life for patients with cancer.

Join us for free — either virtually or in-person at Main Line Health Newtown Square — to:

  • Learn more about health qigong, including how it can support your body during and after cancer treatment
  • Connect with your mind and body on a deeper level
  • Improve your energy and your body’s self-healing

Qigong is an accessible practice, and it’s safe for people with cancer. It can be done while sitting or standing, depending on your current capabilities. It’s best enjoyed in comfortable clothing and while barefoot.

Once you understand the basics of health qigong, you can incorporate the practice into your life moving forward. As you navigate the side effects of cancer, qigong can improve your overall quality of life.

Next steps:

Register for our "Thriving During and After Cancer Treatment" series

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